A SMALL south west town who found fame becoming the first Queensland silo artwork will take their stardom nationally with the release of a new Australia Post stamp.
Just 10 months after drought stricken Thallon was brought to life with the completion of a mural on their 300,000 tonne grain receival site, the town is set to become a household name through its inclusion as one of four commemorative stamps in the Silo Art series.
From May 21, Australians will be able to purchase the silo artwork from Brisbane artists Drapl and The Zookeeper in the form of a $1 stamp photographed by Damien Morgan and designed by Janet Boschen Design.
The series also includes silos from Brim in Victoria, Ravensthorp in Western Australia and Weethalle in New South Wales.
Thallon’s unlikely canvas has brought new life to the town, enticing visitors to spend time in the area.
The Thallon mural took artists Joel ‘The Zookeeper’ Fergie and Travis ‘Drapl’ Vinson three weeks to complete using 500 litres of paint, 500 spray cans and only an A4 impression to guide them.
Mr Vinson said he was proud and honoured to have his artwork featured on the stamp.
“Never had I ever imagined that picking up a spray can when I was 12 years old would start an art career as eventful as this,” he said.
“Thallon is a very special place where anyone is welcome and I am very happy that they now have an iconic landmark to set them apart and for travellers and locals alike to enjoy.”
According to Australia Post, silos had become landmarks in their own right; revitalising tiny towns and putting them firmly on the national and international map.
“In the last few years some extraordinary artworks have appeared across Australia,” an online statement read.
“The unlikely canvases for these works are the towering grain silos that dominate numerous small wheat-growing country towns.
“Many of these proud and tight-knit communities are suffering from a range of issues including drought and population attrition.”
The stamps will be available from post offices as a minisheet, stamp pack, maxicards and collective booklets.
The small town will celebrate the occasion with a launch at the Thallon Recreational Grounds on Sunday May 20 from 11am.